The Camping Association of Fuerteventura: A Voice for Campers
Formation and Growth
Established four years ago, the Camping Association of Fuerteventura has rapidly grown to include 627 members, attracting enthusiasts from various islands within the Canary archipelago. This burgeoning community seeks to advocate for the regulation of camping practices across the island, emphasizing the importance of structured policies to support outdoor adventures responsibly.
Ongoing Demands for Regulation
Since its inception, the association has frequently demanded the implementation of a comprehensive insular ordinance. Members are eager for progress as they await official regulations that would clarify and facilitate camping rights. According to Lola García, president of the Cabildo, and Nereida Calero, the area’s councillor, there may be a public exhibition of the proposed ordinance as soon as September, fueling optimism within the community.
Frustration with Local Government Response
Despite these hopeful signs, there remains significant frustration regarding the lack of tangible action from Fuerteventura’s municipal governments. Victor Saavedra, the association president, voiced disappointment at how local bodies have largely ignored opportunities for regulation. “GESPLAN has indicated that local corporations could begin working on various zones to facilitate camping through Article 79 bis of the Land Law, yet little has been done,” he lamented.
Saavedra highlighted further issues, particularly in the municipality of Pájara, where critical camping areas from Punta de Jandía to Morro Jable have been shut down without offering alternative options. The overall sentiment resonates across Fuerteventura’s municipalities, where anticipation for the Cabildo’s guidance is palpable, yet local initiative remains stagnant.
Emergence of Proposed Tourism Regulations
Meanwhile, the Department of Employment and Tourism, led by councillor Jéssica de León, is reportedly working on a regulatory framework for the camping sector to provide legal clarity. It was announced that the Camping Association would be submitting objections to the proposed regulations, although the timeframe for response is limited, with a deadline set for July 31.
A Unique Approach to Camping
The crux of the association’s campaign is a longing for a camping experience that honors traditional practices while adhering to modern standards. Saavedra emphasizes, “Camping should be inclusive of traditional forms of camping on the island, always respecting the territory.” This balance between modern regulations and traditional experiences is vital to the association’s vision.
Criticism of Inconsistent Regulations
The association has been vocal in critiquing what it perceives as inconsistent regulation within the sector. Recent events, particularly the Fuerteventura En Música festival, have sparked debate over the increasing presence of motorhomes, campers, and other mobile living arrangements on La Concha beach in El Cotillo, revealing a lack of cohesive zoning in these areas.
Saavedra pointed out that “it seems anything goes in unregulated spaces,” which not only undermines the marine environment but also impacts the visual landscape, creating significant concerns among camping enthusiasts who feel overlooked and marginalized.
Looking Ahead: A Collaborative Approach
As the Camping Association of Fuerteventura continues its advocacy, the outlook remains hopeful yet cautious. Members are intent on engaging with the local government while ensuring that their voices are not just heard but also integrated into the policies that affect their cherished outdoor activities. The association’s drive symbolizes a broader desire to promote sustainable tourism practices on the island, catering to both nature-loving locals and visitors.
By pushing for a balance between structured regulation and the preservation of traditional camping experiences, the Camping Association of Fuerteventura is striving not only to ensure legal clarity but also to foster a camping culture that respects both the environment and the campers’ rights.
